The Day of the Dead: The Autumn of Comissario Ricciardi (The Commissario Ricciardi Mysteries Book 5)

In this fourth installment of the internationally successful Commissario Ricciardi series, the Commissario is investigating the death of Matteo, one of the many street urchins who live hand-to-mouth in the dark alleys of 1930s Naples. While at first the death seems provoked by natural causes, it quickly emerges that there's more to the tragedy than meets the eye. Commissario Ricciardi is the undisputed wizard of Neapolitan crime scenes. He solves every crime with an uncanny swiftness that leaves his colleagues dumbfounded. Indeed, there are those who think his abilities are the work of the devil, and unnatural and ungodly gift to be exorcised. And maybe they're right. Ricciardi sees the dead. He sees and hears the final moments in the lives of those who have suffered violent deaths. It may be a talent or it may be a curse, but it is nonetheless a kind of black magic. Sometimes, however, even black magic isn't enough. It's a rainy autumn in Naples and the fog... The fourth Commissario Ricciardi historical mystery—following Everyone in Their Place —is “a superb novel for fans of Italian noir” ( Library Journal , starred review). Commissario Ricciardi has visions. He sees and hears the final moments in the lives of those who have suffered violent deaths. It may be a talent or it may be a curse, but it has helped him become one of the most successful homicide detectives in the Naples police force. It’s a rainy autumn in 1930s Naples as its inhabitants celebrate the week of the dead. Ricciardi’s instincts tell him that the death of a street urchin is actually murder, but investigating the homicide is not going to be easy. The authorities want to avoid any sign that things are not as they ought to be in Naples, for they are preparing for the state visit of Benito Mussolini. Ricciardi will have to conduct his investigation hidden from the eyes of his superiors. What’s worse, his sixth sense is no help to him this time; the scene of the crime is silent, still, not a word or a sign, or even a scream from the dead. Has his unwelcome gift finally faded? Or is something more sinister at work? “De Giovanni’s slashing wit cuts deeply into his cameo portraits of the high and mighty, even as his elegant style ennobles the wretched lives he views with such compassion.” — The New York Times Book Review “De Giovanni is a masterful plotter and sub-plotter; it’s a joy to ease into his complete command of his craft . . . These are murder mysteries raised to a brilliant level.” — Open Letters Monthly The Commissario is investigating the death of Matteo, a street urchin. Commissario Ricciardi solves every crime with an uncanny swiftness that leaves his colleagues dumbfounded. Indeed, there are those who think his abilities are an ungodly gift to be exorcised. And maybe they're right: Ricciardi sees and hears the final moments in the lives of those who have suffered violent deaths. Ricciardi's instincts tell him that the dead boy is the victim of a murder. What's worse, his sixth sense is no help to him this time; the scene of the crime is silent ..